The 2016 RBS Six Nations got underway at Stade De France on Saturday with France hosting the tournament’s underdogs, Italy.
The feisty Italians challenged the French down to the wire, although the home-side had enough to secure a 23-21 victory.
Italy fly-half Carlo Canna obtained the first points of the tournament, after reverting into the pocket to rifle a drop-kick over the posts to give the visitors a 3-0 lead after eight minutes.
Moments later, France had an opportunity to level proceedings, however Sebastian Bezy’s penalty kick went wide. The missed penalty wasn’t going to demoralise the French though, as in the 14th minute, the ball worked its way across their back-line and found Virimi Vakatawa on the left wing, who then side-stepped Leanardo Satto to dab down for the first try of the day. Bezy failed to convert.
Italy – against all odds – hit straight back when captain Sergio Parisse finished off a tremendous pick-and-drive in the 25th minute. Although, Canna missed the conversion from close range.
Italy’s jubilation didn’t last long though. Flanker Damien Chouly crossed the try-line after a quick tap from France’s Gael Fickou caught the Italian’s short-staffed on the right-hand side. Bezy maintained his awful display from the boot to miss his third kick of the day.
It was a poor effort from both sides’ kickers in the first-half as Canna missed an Italy penalty just before half-time, and as a result, France went in at the interval with a 10-8 lead.
It took 43 minutes to see the first successful kick on the score-board when Canna put Italy 11-10 up from the boot.
The successful penalty kick must have gave Canna some confidence, as two minutes later, he broke through the French defence to open Italy’s try count. The young Zebre fly-half converted to give the away side an eight-point cushion following a rampant first ten minutes of the second period.
After 58 minutes, France winger Hugo Bonneval finished well in the corner which gave the hosts a big chance of a comeback. On the back of a lacklustre kicking display, Bezy was relieved of his duties, and Jules Plisson added the extras.
France then went in-front with Plisson appearing to be the better kicker on the day. The Stade-Francais number-10 converted a penalty from 50 metres out with an absolute rocket of a right-foot. The kick put France two points ahead, only for Italy’s fly-half substitute Kelly Haimona to put Jacques Brunel’s men back in-front.
France’s Plisson again changed the fortunes of the game with another successful penalty that put the home side 23-21 ahead with five minutes to go. The Italians were determined to get the win and attacked with intent for a nervy five minutes for France coach Guy Noves.
Italy attacked, but could only conjure up a bizarre drop-goal attempt by number-8 Parisse. The Italian stalwart missed the drop-kick as Italy’s impressive efforts went unawarded.
